Campus Presents Annual Fashion Show

Published: May 8, 2017

By Paola Fernandez

CSULB student models and designers are returning to the runway this spring season.

The university’s Fashion, Merchandising and Design Program will be hosting its 29th Annual Campus Couture Fashion Show at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 12, beginning at 7 p.m. The acclaimed fashion show will feature an array of designs by sophomores, juniors and seniors in the department.

Ivan Ramirez Navarro, a 21-year-old senior, is the head coordinator for this year’s fashion show, choosing to take on the challenge of the 2017 production a year ago. He began by shadowing coordinators of the 2016 fashion show which gave him some insight into his future responsibilities.

“Working backstage really makes me appreciate everything that goes into these shows that seem so flawless,” said Ramirez Navarro.

“This is something that not everyone gets the opportunity to do,” said Fombona, a senior. “It is definitely a great learning experience as well as fun for the entire department.”

In preparation for the big day, the team of coordinators held several sessions of model auditions, organized fundraising with Chipotle Mexican Grill and represented CSULB at the MAGIC Fashion trade show in Las Vegas where they looked for sponsors and fundraising partners.

This year’s fashion show will feature original designs from approximately 15 seniors as well as 20 juniors and sophomores in the program. In addition to the designers and models, student volunteers, makeup and hair artists will participate the day of the show.

“The fashion show really helps students have knowledge on show production and the level of work that goes into it,” said Ramirez Navarro. ”The experience that you get is a fundamental part of your education.”

Students’ designs will be judged and awarded by a panel of professionals. Some of the awards include Rising Star, Blogger’s Choice, Most Innovative, Best in Show and, for the first time, Most Marketable to the European Market or “Paris Pick.” The latter award will be presented by Kristina Mossessyants, a professor at MOD’SPE Paris Fashion Business School, one of CSULB’s partner universities.

Not only does this show enhance students’ learning environment, it also brings great prestige to CSULB and the campus’ Fashion, Merchandising and Design Program. Due in part to the ongoing high-level production of the Campus Couture fashion show, CSULB has ranked amongst the top schools for fashion on the West Coast.

“Our show tends to be the largest student run fashion show on the West Coast,” said Ramirez Navarro. “It helps show an artistic and creative side of learning in a university environment.”

“This event shows what dedicated and hardworking students are capable of,” said Henderson, also a senior. “It is something that cannot be missed.”

Tickets for the 2017 Campus Couture Fashion Show are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and faculty and are on sale at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, the University Student Union information desk and the Family and Consumer Sciences’ office.